Twisty Cube - Online Twisty Cubing Tools
Everything you need to know about 2×2×2, 3×3×3, 4×4×4 and beyond: parts, notation, methods, practice, and pro tips. All in one clean infographic.
Toolbox for Twisty Cubers
Explore these handy online tools to learn, practice, and enjoy your cube journey.
🧩 Solver
Input your scrambled state and see guided steps to restore the cube.
🎮 Simulators
Practice virtually in your browser without a physical cube.
⏱ Online Timer
Record your solve times with averages and session history.
🔀 Scrambler
Create random scrambles to ensure fair and varied practice.
📑 Algorithm Calculator
Find and test sequences of moves for specific cube cases.
🖼 3D Widget
Rotate and interact with a cube model or embed it on a site.
🎨 Mosaic Generator
Transform an image into a colorful cube mosaic pattern.
🔒 Secret Message
Hide and share text encoded inside a scrambled cube.
Common Sizes
| Size | Pieces you actually move | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| 2×2×2 | 8 corners | Ortega / CLL |
| 3×3×3 | 8 corners + 12 edges | CFOP / Roux / ZZ |
| 4×4×4 | Centers + paired edges | Reduction / Yau |
| 5×5×5+ | More centers & edge groups | Generalized reduction |
Anatomy
Corner pieces show three colors, edges show two, and on ≥3×3×3 the fixed centers define each face's color. Even-layer cubes have no single fixed center, so centers are built first.
Learning curve: beginner → intermediate
Parity (Even Layers)
On 4×4×4, 6×6×6, etc., some states aren't possible on 3×3×3 (e.g., a single flipped edge pair). These are called parity cases and need special algorithms after reduction.
Notation (Moves)
Faces
U Up D Down L Left R Right F Front B Back
Prime (′) = counter-clockwise, "2" = double turn.
Wide & Slices
Rw , Uw = two layers at once
M , E , S = middle slices
Cubie Rotations
x , y , z rotate the whole cube to re-orient your view or set up finger-friendly triggers.
Popular Solving Paths
Layer-by-Layer (Beginner → CFOP)
- Cross (or full first layer on 2×2×2)
- F2L (first two layers pairs)
- OLL (orient last layer)
- PLL (permute last layer)
Speed potential
Roux
Build two opposite 1×2×3 blocks, orient & place remaining edges, finish corners and M-slice. Efficient turns, low rotation count.
ZZ
EOLine (edge orientation + line) → pair F2L from rotationless angles → simple last layer. Great ergonomics, fewer regrips.
2×2×2: Ortega / CLL
Make one face (not full layer), orient last layer, then permute both layers in one go. CLL solves full last layer by corner set.
Big Cubes: Reduction / Yau
Solve centers, pair edges, reduce to a virtual 3×3×3, finish with your favorite method. Yau integrates cross early to save moves.
Practice, Ergonomics & Timing
Recognition & Look-Ahead
Train slow: turn at ~60 - 70% speed and keep your eyes scanning the next pair. Use metronome sessions (e.g., 1.5 - 2.0 Hz) to smoothen flow.
Finger Tricks
Prefer U / U′ index flicks and R / L push-pulls. Minimize whole-cube regrips using y / y′ and wide turns.
Inspection
Plan at least the cross (or first pair) before the first move. On big cubes, visualize center bars and easy edge pairs.
Parity Recovery (Even)
Bookmark your preferred OLL/PLL parity algorithms; practice them until recognition → execution is reflexive.
Quick Reference
Starter Goalposts
- 2×2×2: consistent sub-20s → aim for Ortega/CLL
- 3×3×3: sub-60s beginner → learn full PLL, then OLL
- 4×4×4: smooth centers & pairing → memorize parity fixes
Algorithm Strategy
Prioritize recognition clarity over sheer count. Add cases in sets (e.g., 2 - 4 new OLLs/week) and drill them in scrambles.
Hardware Fit
Choose stable tensioning; moderate magnets help tracking without overshooting. Lubes: light for speed, medium for control.